Tyrone Under-14s lose out to Cavan in Platinum Final

Tyrone 2-7 Cavan 3-11

A powerful fifteen minute purple patch from a very strong Cavan ensured their success in the Ulster Under-14 Platinum Final at Castleblaney on Saturday.

The Breffni side pulled away despite the Red Hands enjoying a stunning start and a battling Tyrone just could not reel them in.

A very poor surface was a handicap but Tyrone will not blame that for what was a disappointing outcome. Having come into the decider with a 100% winning record they were well placed ahead of the final but they failed to reach the standard that they produced earlier in the campaign. Struggling with Cavan’s physical and pacey play they were on the backfoot for long periods.

Cavan led by five points at the break coming back from a breakneck Tyrone opening three minutes that produced a goal and thre points. Ava Neilis, Ella Boyd and Tori Mc Govern all registered impressed and when a Neilis free came off the upright Lauren Corr was on hand to fire to the net.

However Tyrone failed to score for the next twenty five minutes and in that time Cavan hit 2-6. Goals from Ella Mc Phillips and Elle O’Reilly steered the Breffnis into the driving seat back and with the midfield pair of Rogers and Brennan on top Tyrone faced all sorts of problems.

Neilis and Tori Mc Govern pulled a brace back for Tyrone before the break, while two fine saves from Grace Teague and stout-hearted defensive efforts from Orlaith Leonard and Clara McCullagh kept them in the hunt.

A third Cavan goal within twenty seconds of the restart opened the gap to eight points although the Tyrone response was swift. After several positional switches the Red Hands upped the tempo and produced several encouraging attacks.

Hannah Meegan scrambled home a goal with Corr and Boyd tagging on points, yet the team wasted other scoring opportunties to really put Cavan under pressure.

Tyrone couldn’t haul themselves back into it with the Breffni side more clinical. Clodagh Kelly dropped over a free as Brady and player of the match Rogers added points to close out the game in Cavan’s favour.

A disappointing day for a brave Tyrone side who now take time to refocus on the All-Ireland festival of football series.

Tyrone Scorers: Lauren Corr 1-1. Hannah Meegan 1-09, Ava Neilis, Ella Boyd and Tori Mc Govern 0-2 each.